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Doctoral Program in Neurosciences

Doctoral Program in Neurosciences

Degree

Doctor in Neurosciences

Duration

8 semesters

Application dates

01/09/2023 - 29/09/2023

Classes start

March 2024

Modality

On-campus

Tuition

$4.318.000 (annually)

Program Description

This program is an initiative of the Interdisciplinary Center for Neuroscience of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Its objective is to provide advanced postgraduate training to graduates or masters from various courses interested in developing as researchers and teachers of excellence. Furthermore, as a future projection, training that favors insertion in research and teaching programs will be considered, allowing students to work in renowned institutions in the field, where graduates will develop autonomous or independent research activities.

Additionally, the Program considers as part of its mission to generate a solid national and international leadership in this discipline and promote the scientific production and intellectual development of numerous academics of the UC. They develop research activities in various areas of Neuroscience.

Years of Accreditation

Four years, up to November 2026

Program Objectives

The Doctoral Program in Neurosciences aims to provide interdisciplinary postgraduate training in the area of Neurosciences to graduates or master’s degree holders from various disciplines or areas of Neuroscience interested in developing as researchers and teachers of excellence. The specific objectives of the Program are to train scientists capable of developing first-level research.

Learning Outcomes

The Doctoral students will develop the ability to research the subjects addressed by the Program with the conditions of originality, independence, academic rigor, and management capacity that are proper to them. They will also develop critical and analytical abilities, which will allow them to participate in the public debate in their area of study.

The development of these skills requires:

Contributing to multidisciplinary studies in Neuroscience, being able to guide undergraduate students and research assistants.
Identifying specific research areas and problems.
Identifying relevant research methodologies to develop them.
Collecting the practical information required by the project, as well as organizing and systematizing it properly.
Producing a fluent and coherent discourse, capable of giving an account of their research processes.
Developing a research project that leads to a high-impact publication.
Developing critical capacity concerning one’s work and that of others.
Having the necessary skills to work in a team.
Training their communication skills to adequately present the results of their work and work as a teacher.

Research Areas

Cellular and molecular neurobiology

Topics: neurodevelopment; neurodegeneration and neuroregeneration; intercellular signaling; inflammatory processes; intercellular communication; signaling in pain.

Circuit and systems neuroscience

Topics: synaptic neurotransmission; sleep-wake cycle; biogenic amines in behavioral control.
Thalamo-cortical organization.

Neurophysiology and Neuroanatomy

Topics: neurochemistry of addiction; neural and endocrine rhythms; brain evolution.
synaptic organization and structure.

Cognitive neuroscience of physiological processes

Topics: learning and memory; stress; attention; consciousness; meditation; default network; language; brain-computer interfaces.

Cognitive neuroscience of pathological processes

Topics: schizophrenia; depression; attentional deficits; epilepsy; Parkinson’s.

Application Requirements

Application form (according to Doctoral in neuroscience application form).
Original or notarized copy of certificate of academic degree, (foreign applicants must legalize the certificate at the Chilean Consulate in their country of origin).
Transcripts of undergraduate and other studies, including advanced and postgraduate studies. If the applicant is a foreigner, the grading scales used, and the minimum grade accepted must be clearly specified. Graduation ranking of their graduating class.
Curriculum Vitae (according to format).
Two confidential letters of recommendation (these should be sent directly by the sponsors to Francisco Aboitiz, Program Director, faboitiz@puc.cl; Claudia Andrade, Program Coordinator, candradel@puc.cl or Ms. Debbie Meza, Doctoral Secretary, dmezar@uc.cl). It is desirable that the letters come from individuals with a doctoral degree. For these letters, the available format should be used (to be submitted in a sealed envelope -according to the Spanish format- according to the English format).
Letter of Intent. Submit a written statement of purpose, including the formulation of a topic of interest relevant to the students’ study during the program and the dedication committed to the program. Applicants should be as specific as possible as to their short- and long-term research interests and objectives, in a length of no more than three and a half spaced pages.
Photocopy of identity card or passport.
Two passport size photos (with name and identity card).
Application for admission to the University (according to format).

Graduation Requirements

Certify advanced command of a second language.
Carry out the Ethics and Integrity in Research workshop (CPD 0002).
Carry out 2 transversal skills workshops (CPD acronym).
Take a research internship abroad *.
Have a scientific article submitted, accepted or published *.
Have carried out 2 annual monitoring activities *.

(*) The conditions and characteristics of these activities may vary according to the study plan of each doctorate. For more information, we recommend that you consult with your program manager.

Unidades académicas

Faculty of Medicine

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Academic List

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Doctoral Program in Neurosciences

Program Description

Years of Accreditation

Program Objectives